"The pen is mightier than the sword." Edward Bulwer-Lytton

I just returned from the board meeting of the American Christian Writer's (Ozarks Chapter). One of the ladies attended a summer conference in St. Louis and made a report on the conference. One of the speakers used PAC as a personal reminder when it comes to writing and submitting for publication. PAC stands for prayer and confidence--prayerfully write, submit with confidence. I think that is a good thing to use when posting to Out of My Hat, too. It certainly would have saved having to swallow some bitter words this past week.

It doesn't mean that I have to suppress my feelings or opinions. It does mean that there are ways to share them without being mean-spirited. As my blogging buddy Mike has pointed out--"You cannot unsay a cruel word."

A few days ago, my brother posted a link on his Facebook that is to the blog of fairly well known evangelical author/preacher/teacher Brian McLaren. Mr . McLaren is obviously way better at expressing his concerns than I am. His Open Letter to Christian Conservatives in the US, on Health Care is the kind of stuff that I wish I would have said. I hope that you will take the time to read this post. One of the more striking statements addressing his concerns of the modern Christian conservatives is this one:

As a result, I sometimes think that Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, and Fox News may now influence many conservative Evangelicals, Charismatics, and Catholics even more than Billy Graham, Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes, Pope Benedict, or even the four gospels.

The entire post is very well written and expresses his concerns and opinions in a manner that allows for differences and keeps from tearing down our friends and brothers in Christ Jesus. In the end, I'd have to say that Mr. McLaren puts into practice that prayer discipline before writing his blog.

I'll try to do the same. It is difficult to get these size 10 1/2D nasty feet out of my mouth.

John <><

Eating Crow

It occurs to me that I have been pretty harsh on some people. In particular the sender of the e-mail that was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. To be fair, I need to say that I just sent a note of apology. I took on the very role that I was offended by and realized that I needed to reconcile the situation.

My bad.

Here's my note:

As I have reread my response to your last e-mail, I realize that it was extremely harsh. In fact, it took on the very tone that would offend me if I had been the one receiving it. I hope that you will accept that I have allowed your particular letter to be the point at which I decided that enough was enough. By itself (and it should have been received that way), it was nothing to get upset about. Unfortunately, I was letting other incidents amplify this one and that was very wrong of me.

Please accept my sincere apology. I really do believe that we need to find common ground with others that we might share the Gospel of Salvation. It is a shame that we often lose sight of our mission as Christians and focus on our rights as Americans. As Americans we enjoy freedom of speech. But the Bible cautions us that with the tongue we can hurt and destroy others. I suppose that the same goes for the pen--or electronic equivalent.

John<><

Lashing Out

I've been getting angry lately. And I've managed to suppress it on many occasions, but at other times I feel like I've lashed out at people. The cause of this irritation?...What else? Politics and the ever popular politically accepted lies, deceit, and hatred that come from otherwise decent people.

At lunch the other day, I heard somebody say that they asked a Democrat, "Do you think it's right to kill babies?" This of course implies that all Democrats think that it is right to kill babies. The conversation seemed to be primarily between two people that were at the same table as I was so I didn't say anything (although I probably could have).

A second incident came in the form of an e-mail that was forwarded to me (and several others). This is the text:

Mark your calendar - This Sunday on Fox Sean Hannity, of Hannity & Colmes Fox news, is going to air a very important documentary about Barack Obama, Sunday night at 8:00 PM central / 9 PM eastern. He stated on the air this evening that no one in the news media was willing to do this. Hannity is going back to Obama's earlier days, showing even then his ties to radical professors, friends, spiritual advisers, etc., he stated this evening that he will show in detail his ties to Rev.. Wright for 20+ yrs. How he was participating with this man, and not for the reasons he states! He has uncovered more of Obama's radical leaders and we will see things that no one in the media is willing to put out there. This will be a night that you will learn more about Obama than ever before. Hannity is very passionate about this program and asked that everyone please, please watch~~ Please pass this on to everyone you know. Democrat or Republican, you can learn from this. It is critical for our country." You can watch it if you want, but I really do believe that the program is more about ratings than about truth. Anyways, I was a bit offended by the assumption that I would be interested in this and also un happy that another well meaning person has decided that I'm a good candidate for receiving their favorite e-mail forwards (yes, they received it from someone else that forwarded it to them!). Snopes usually deters chronic forwarders, apparently not enough in their case. So I wrote asking to be removed from their e-mail list. My letter will probably get me in trouble. This was my response: Please take me off of your e-mail list. I am not a blind follower of the radical conservatives that think that every democrat is going to hell. Like it or not, Barack Obama is the President of the United States. The continuous gossip, lies, and hatred that is being spread by non-Christian conservatives and endorsed by Christian conservatives that should know the Biblical command to respect those in authority over us (Nero was the Emperor of Rome when Paul wrote this) needs to come to an end. I'm sure that the spin on the events of our President's past will be more than enough to generate great ratings for the Fox News Network. In the end, that's really all that it is about...not about truth--about ratings. As for me, I chose not to be a part of the hatred; not to be a part of the gossip; and not to be a part of the belief that every democrat is evil. (By the way, Billy Graham is a democrat.) I do chose to pray for wisdom and protection for my President and all of our leaders. You would be very surprised to know the number of Born-again religious conservatives that have not bought into the Republican Party's propaganda that if you are a Christian, you must vote Republican. I, for one, voted for Barack Obama. Another incident involved pieces of flair sent on Facebook. It came under the category nobama. It said something like--Hitler made great speeches, too. Really? You want to compare our President to Hitler? Some how I find that incredibly naive and ridiculous. I'm sure that Jews around the world would be offended at the comparison and I really don't know what the point of such a statement might be. I know that it wouldn't be to incite hate...this was from a Christian and a church member. (BTW, the other incidents were also from Christians.) Sadly, it was not even two weeks ago that I blogged about this great sermon at our church. Our memories appear to be pretty short. The words from an old song are ringing through my head right now: Go ahead and hate your neighbor, Go ahead and cheat a friend. Do it in the name of Heaven, You can justify it in the end. There won't be any trumpets blowing Come the judgement day, On the bloody morning after.... One tin soldier rides away. If you remember the end of the story told in this song, after the great battle for the mountain treasure, the valley people found that this was the treasure...Peace on Earth. Brothers and Sisters, we are fighting the wrong battle. Paul wrote that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but it is a great spiritual battle. I want to encourage you to set aside the differences of politics, culture, social status, etc. and join together to reach out to others and share the great love of our God. We ought not use the battle armor fighting against each other. It was meant for a far greater purpose. John <>< BTW, for better or worse, thanks to my friend and fellow controller/fellow blogger/fellow searcher of truth, Paul Cox, my posts to Out of My Hat now automatically appear in my Facebook notes. Thanks Paul (I think!).

On This Day

The Logos Bible Study software that I use from Libronix includes a daily reading called On This Day. As you might guess, it features stories from history that happened on the current date. While they are all interesting (to me), I felt like sharing this one. It was foretold by Jesus and happened decades after His death.

The Fall of Jerusalem

August 10

Jesus warned of a time when Herod’s beautiful temple would be destroyed, but the disciples could hardly believe him. The temple was arguably the most magnificent structure in the world, and its glow in the setting sun seemed as eternal as Jerusalem itself.

But a generation later Jewish zealots revolted against Rome. The rebellion began at the fortress of Masada then spread throughout Judea and Galilee. Romans were slaughtered, Jewish defenders battled bravely, and Emperor Nero sent General Vespasian to quell the uprising.

When Nero died, the general left for Rome, placing his son Titus in charge of the 80,000 troops. The siege began in April, 70, immediately after the Passover when Jerusalem was filled with strangers. Within city walls, the Jews splintered into various factions, fighting each other at the very time they needed solidarity. Food supplies ran out and the population began dying from starvation. The high priest’s wife, accustomed to living in luxury, begged for crumbs like a street urchin. Captured Jews were crucified at a rate of 500 a day, crosses encircling the city. Daily temple sacrifices ceased July 17, all hands being needed for defense.

The Romans, using catapults and battering rams, finally broke through the walls. The Jews streamed into the temple. Titus had reportedly wanted to spare the edifice, but his soldiers would not be restrained. A firebrand was hurled through the golden gate and exploded like a bomb. The temple became an ocean of fire. It was August 10, 70, the same day of the year, it was said, in which Solomon’s earlier temple had been destroyed by Babylon.

This, and the subsequent fall of Masada, extinguished Israel as a nation until its rebirth in the twentieth century. Most Christians had fled Jerusalem before its final hour, but the city’s destruction remains a defining event in Christian history. It further severed the young church from its Jewish roots, making it a global entity distinct from Israel and destined to develop its own identity among the Gentiles, bearing a message for all the world.

Morgan, R. J. 2000, c1997. On this day : 265 amazing and inspiring stories about saints, martyrs & heroes (electronic ed.) . Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville

John <><

As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"

"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." Mark 1:1-2

A Grand Day

It was a baseball day...not real baseball, Kansas City Royals Baseball. (OK, that was kinda mean, but Royals fans understand.) I was really glad to see that Greinke was pitching for the Royals. He got off to a rocky start but really settled down after the Royals put a couple of runs on the scoreboard and seemed to get stronger as the game went on.

The Royals managed an uncharacteristic 17 hits and won the game (also uncharacteristic). Even while we were watching the Royals' game, we were keeping an eye on the scoreboard and the Cardinal game in Pittsburgh. So we knew when Albert came up with the bases loaded.

Even though Albert was 0 for... the day and had left a couple of runners on base, you just don't pitch to this guy with the bases jammed. Give up the one run and walk him! Take your chances with the next guy...even if it is Matt Holliday. For the record, I'd like to see them pitch to Albert. But I don't understand why they do. Albert Pujols is batting .800 this season when the bases are loaded. He is 8 for 10 with 5 (count 'em...5) grand slams and 27 RBIs.

So Adam Wainwright got his 13th win and the Cardinals are looking for the sweep today.

On the way to Kansas City, we stopped at Perry Foster's BBQ in Warrensburg. Perry Foster's doesn't have a website of their own but there are plenty of comments about the food. Just Google Perry Foster's BBQ and read a few of the comments. Aaron was impressed...and full--and the boy can eat a lot of food! The place gets my recommendation. If you are ever in the area, it's worth the time to stop in. I'm looking forward to the fall revival in Holden MO because I know that I'll have at least one meal at Perry Foster's!

This afternoon will be spent with the Hopedale Baptist Church family at our summer picnic. Good folks. I'm looking forward to it.

Have a great week!

John <><

No News

I've realized that I've posted much less frequently this summer. I also know that a part of that is that I just haven't felt much like writing. However the biggest factor is deciding not to write about bad news, downer, negative rants. With much debate in Congress about healthcare reform and how to stimulate the economy, there has certainly been plenty to write about. Truthfully, I've even stayed away from much of the newscasts lately. Things in my little circle of life are not that bad. In fact, things are going pretty well.

Not perfect...but pretty well. You remember the car breakdown from a few weeks back, right? I may have mentioned no raise for three years, the Cubs were ahead of the Cardinals for a few days last week, ...anyways, you get the idea. I am finding it easier to stay focused on what's good around me.

The Bbile instructs us to focus on the good things. It really helps to keep my mood better, my attitude towards other better, my everyday demeanor...better. I am a much better person when there are no negatives pressuring my thoughts. I've been doing much better in my Bible reading as well. This has also helped to keep me focused on the right things.

Today I just want to ask you...Where is your focus? Are you thinking of good things or stressing over bad things. Are you focused on the differences between people or learning to see the things that bind us together? Do you let other people's negative attitude bring you down?

Guard your heart, guard your attitude. I've learned that it's better if I just avoid some people.

I hope that today finds you well. If you're a little down or stressing over matters, find a release. I don't mind allowing my friends a place to vent. We all need a little help from time to time. Hopefully, we all like to help one another from time to time.

If you're up...give somebody a hand. If you're feeling a little down, reach out...find a helping hand. (my e-mail and phn # is in my bio info)

Take care,

John<><

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a place where Chris and the kids go when I am not with them. I know that it sounds strange to hear that there is a food (or food like-item) that I don't like...but there you have it.

In any case, I felt compelled to share this video with all of the the misguided folks that actually like to eat at the faux restaurant that is Taco Bell.

Taco Bell's New Green Menu Takes No Ingredients From Nature

John <><

Pinch-hit Homerun

One of the downsides of being a preacher at Hopedale Baptist Church is that there are a number of well qualified preachers to fill the pulpit when Pastor Terry takes some time off. It seems that there are fewer opportunities to get to preach at Hopedale and anybody that feels the call to preach looks forward to each chance to do what God has called us to do.

Today, one of our newer people stepped in and did a great job. Dennis Williams and his family recently moved to Ozark from Denver CO. Dennis pastored a church there and met Pastor Terry a few years ago when Hopedale sent a team Denver to do some summer mission work.

Dennis' message came from the Book of Jonah. The Book of Jonah is about God's love for a people that Jonah didn't like. God sent Jonah to them to warn them of their wrongdoing and the nation repented and God spared them the destruction that would have been theirs if they had chosen to continue in their sinful ways. Jonah was upset that God had turned from his wrath and spared the city.

Today, we often have our own judgments about who God loves and who He doesn't. We chose to believe that God doesn't love Muslims, or God doesn't love Democrats, or God doesn't love homosexuals. If God doesn't love them, then it's okay for us not to love them. The problem with that thinking is that God does love them. His desire is that they would repent and turn toward Him. We have no more right to wish God's judgment on people now than Jonah had to wish for the destruction of Nineveh.

All-in-all, I'd have to say that Dennis went deep and hit one out of the park. I'll never think of Jonah as a fish story again. I will always remember that is about looking at others through God's eyes--with love and a hope for repentance and redemption.

John <><

Jesus Camp Revisited

Some time ago I wrote a post that included a brief reference to a movie called Jesus Camp. While the movie is a documentary that compares lively churches (lively music, shouting, etc.) to dead churches (hymns, solemn prayers, preaching to quiet congregations) and implies that God is not in dead churches...it occurs to me that there are others with views that are exactly the opposite.

Some people think that music can be evil; that drums are tools of the devil. Some people have the idea that you can't teach kids the lessons of the Bible when they are enjoying themselves in church. Apparently we have to drag kids to boring churches before they can learn that God loves them and sent His Son to die for them.

Why can't we recognize that there are many ways that people can effectively worship God and share His love. I am not so arrogant to think that God only likes the way I worship Him and every other way is an act of heresy.

I do believe that there is only One True God. I do have an exclusive view that heaven is only attainable to those that have trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior. These are basic beliefs of the Christian faith that we are taught in the Bible. I also know that many cultures worship the One True God in many different ways. We worship Him as God using different styles of music, different customs of attire, different presentations of The Word, different types of services. We worship in large churches and small homes. Some worship openly and freely and some are persecuted and have to be discreet in their gatherings.

At some point we have to realize that there are enough enemies of the Faith that we don't need to be fighting amongst ourselves. Certainly we can find a place that we can worship God without criticizing the way others worship or openly condemning their methods--especially when they are effective in sharing the Gospel and people are coming to know Jesus. Maybe it is just easier to be hateful than to share Jesus ourselves.

Even as I write this, I'm forced to look back at a post that I wrote just a few weeks ago. Was I doing the same thing that I am now being critical of? I want to say that my post was more about communicating effectively with kids than style of preaching or worship. You be the judge...do I need to post an apology or write a letter that might benefit the camp in the future?

In any case, we, as believers, owe it to our Lord and Savior to be unified in our work to spread the Good News. The armor of a believer is to be used in the spiritual battles that we encounter with the evil one--not to beat up on one another!

John <><

BTW, are you sure of your eternal destination? If you have questions, please call or write.

Notes From All Over

As July comes to an end, I have finished with camps for the year. I was at three camps as Camp Pastor and visited one other to share the Gospel through the use of magic. I only had one VBS program this year but it was a full summer just the same. At the present, August is blank as far as the magic/ministry calendar goes. That's okay. On the eighth, Aaron, Joel (his future father-in-law) and I will be going to Kansas City for a Royals Baseball game. On the weekend of the 21st, I'll be taking Aaron back to Chicago for the fall semester at Moody Bible Institute. Hannah starts her senior year of high school about the same time so August is still a full month.

Opening Act

I usually open my magic show with a brief explanation of the origin of magic. (This seems to be important in churches and works well for me in other venues.) I tell the audience that magic has its origins in science and nature. You may recall the Bible story where Magi from the East come to visit the Christ-child. In other translations the word is translated as wisemen.

They were students of nature--scientists. Because they had knowledge of how the world around them worked, they were thought to have special powers. To be sure, there were those that dabbled with the occult and worked with the spirit world...but still today, much of magic has to do with an understanding of science, math and nature.

I then use a hexa-flexa-gon as my opener. I had worn mine out and for a while they were unavailable. My friend at Dazzling Magic found a craftsman in Europe to make them and now has them available once again. Here is a video of Marty performing with the color flexagon. My routine is very similar.

I am looking forward to the fall revivals that are on my calendar and to watching Hannah in the high school marching band.

VBS continues at Hopedale throughout this week. There are more than 300 kids in attendance! God bless all of the adults and teens that are working.

Busy, busy, busy. Always something to do.

Have a great day. Tell somebody that God loves them...I've chosen to tell you.

God loves you!

John <><